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Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 1 of 2 March 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM
CITY OF GILROY
ARTS AND CULTURE
COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
7351 ROSANNA STREET, GILROY, CA 95020
Chair: Melanie Reynission Vice Chair: Ruben Dario Villa
Commissioners: Steven Porter, Camille McCormack, Adilene Moreno, Steven Taylor, &
Wendy Zamora
Staff Liaison: Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
Kylie Katsuyoshi, Management Assistant
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to
participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to
the meeting at (408) 846-0204 or cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org to help ensure that
reasonable arrangements can be made.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City of Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission
after distribution of the agenda packet are available with the agenda packet on the City website
at www.cityofgilroy.org subject to the Staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GILROY OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE
Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the
public. Commissions, task forces, councils and other agencies of the City exist to
conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are
conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT
ORDINANCE, TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE OR TO REPORT A
VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE, CONTACT THE OPEN GOVERNMENT
COMMISSION STAFF AT (408) 846-0204.
PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES:
During the PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA portion of the meeting,
each person wishing to speak should prepare a presentation of not more than three (3)
minutes. Persons wishing to address the Commission are requested, but not required, to
complete a Speaker’s Card located at the entrances. Completion of this speaker’s card is
voluntary. All persons may attend this meeting and speak, regardless if a card is completed
or not. Speaker’s slips should be submitted to the Secretary BEFORE this portion of the
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Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 2 March 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM
meeting begins. Anyone wishing to address the Commission on any other item on this
AGENDA is requested, but not required, to fill out a speaker’s slip as well and submit it to the
Secretary BEFORE the Commission takes action on the item.
The agenda for this regular meeting is as follows:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. SECRETARY'S REPORT
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. Approval of the Minutes from the February 11, 2025 Regular Meeting of
the Arts and Culture Commission
6. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1. FY26 and FY27 Workplan Update
8. NEW BUSINESS
9. GILROY ART-RELATED COMMUNITY EVENT UPDATES
10. COMMISSION COMMENTS
11. STAFF COMMENTS
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
13. ADJOURNMENT
FUTURE MEETING DATES
April 8, 2025 – Gilroy City Council Chambers – 6:30 PM
May 13, 2025 – Gilroy City Council Chambers – 6:30 PM
June 10, 2025 – Gilroy City Council Chambers – 6:30 PM
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Page 1 of 3
City of Gilroy
Arts and Culture Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 PM.
2.ROLL CALL
Present
Melanie Reynisson, Chair
Ruben Dario Villa, Vice Chair
Steven Porter, Commissioner
Camille McCormack, Commissioner
Adilene Moreno, Commissioner
Steven Taylor, Commissioner
Wendy Zamora, Commissioner
3.SECRETARY'S REPORT
Staff Liaison Atkins reported that the agenda was posted on February 6, 2025 at 3:25 PM.
4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made to approve the agenda by Chair Reynisson, seconded by
Commissioner McCormack; unanimously approved.
5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1 Approve the Minutes of the October 8, 2024 Regular Arts and Culture
Commission Meeting
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Villa, seconded by Commissioner Zamora, to
approve the minutes; unanimously approved.
6.PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
7.OLD BUSINESS
None.
8.NEW BUSINESS
8.1.Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission
1.Staff Report:Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
2.Public Comment
3.Possible Action:
Commission appoint one of its members to each the Chair and Vice-Chair
position.
A motion to appoint Commissioner Reynisson as Chair and Commissioner
Villa as Vice-Chair was made by Commissioner Villa, seconded by
Commissioner Reynisson, unanimously approved.
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February 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM Page 2 of 3 Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
8.2.Arts and Culture Commission 2025 Meeting Schedule Approval
1.Staff Report:Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
2.Public Comment
3.Possible Action:
Commission approval of a meeting schedule for calendar year 2025.
A motion to approve the meeting schedule with the meetings of July,
November and December being cancelled was made by Vice-Chair Villa,
seconded by Commissioner Porter; unanimously approved.
8.3.Approval of the Bench Plaque Inscription - Luna Family
1.Staff Report:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2.Public Comment
3.Possible Action:
Review and approve the proposed inscription for a bench plaque from the
Luna Family.
A motion to approve the inscription was made by Chair Reynisson,
seconded by Commissioner Taylor; unanimously approved.
8.4.Budget Requests and Work Plan Update
1.Staff Report:Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
2.Public Comment
3.Possible Action:
Commission discussion regarding any budget requests and what projects or
tasks should be listed on the work plan.
A motion was made by Commissioner McCormack, seconded by
Commissioner Taylor to adopt the below workplan and budget requests;
unanimously approved.
Workplan Item Associated Budget
Request
1 For the Love of Gilroy $8,000/year – ACC and
Public Art Funds
2 Multicultural Community Days (event series)$10,000 – General Fund
Request
3 Fundraising Event Gala $TBD
4 Update the Arts and Culture Strategic Plan N/A
A subcommittee was also created to start on the work of the For the Love of
Gilroy event, comprised of Vice-Chair Villa, Chair Reynisson, and
Commissioner Porter. The motion to create the subcommittee was motioned
by Chair Reynisson, seconded by Commissioner Zamora; unanimously
approved.
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February 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM Page 3 of 3 Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
9. GILROY ART-RELATED COMMUNITY EVENT UPDATES
The commissioners discussed upcoming events, including Cinco de Mile, the Third Friday
Art Walk on March 23rd, and the May 3rd Art and Wine Stroll.
10.COMMISSION COMMENTS
Future Agenda Item was added to discuss the Arts and Culture Strategic Plan at the next
meeting. The commission decided to amend the earlier workplan to include the strategic
plan update via motion by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Moreno;
unanimously approved.
11.STAFF COMMENTS
Staff provided an update of a public art requirement conditioned on a development, but no
specific timeframe for coming before the Commission.
12.ADJOURNMENT
With no additional business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 PM.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly adopted at a regular meeting
of the Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission.
/s/ Bryce Atkins
Recording Secretary to the Arts and Culture Commission
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City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:FY24 and FY25 Workplan Update
Meeting Date:March 11, 2025
From: Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
Department:Administration
Submitted by:
Prepared by:Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Commissioners and sub-committees update the Commission on plans and progress of
workplan items.
BACKGROUND
At the February 11, 2025 regular meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission, the
Commission adopted a workplan for FY26 and FY27. The workplan included the
following tasks:
1. For the Love of Gilroy Ongoing Event
2. Multicultural Community Days (event series)
3. Fundraising Event Gala
4. Updating the Arts and Culture Commission Strategic Plan
The Commission appointed a subcommittee consisting of Chair Reynisson, Vice Chair
Villa, and Commissioner Porter for the For the Love of Gilroy workplan item, as the
work needed to begin quickly to prepare for the next round of the event, assuming
Council approval.
ANALYSIS
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This will be an ongoing agenda item to discuss the workplan items, and to receive
updates from any commissioner or sub-committee. Other subcommittees can be
formed now, if so desired.
In anticipation of the discussion on the strategic plan, copies of the most recent Arts
and Culture Commission Strategic Plan have been included as an attachment to this
staff report.
ALTERNATIVES
None.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
None.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This item was first discussed at the February 11, 2025 regular meeting of the Arts and
Culture Commission. This item was on the publicly posted agenda for this meeting, and
has been discussed at each Council meeting since the first date mentioned above.
Attachments:
Arts and Culture Commission Strategic Plan
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CITY OF GILROY ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
OCTOBER 18, 2010
Strategic Plan
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Approved Arts and Culture Commission 10/18/2010
City of Gilroy
Arts and Culture Commission
Strategic Plan
October 18, 2010
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Approved Arts and Culture Commission 10/18/2010
Acknowledgements
The Arts and Culture Commission wishes to gratefully acknowledge and thank all those who
have contributed their time and input to the new Strategic Plan.
Arts and Culture Commissioners
Karen LaCorte, Chair
Dia F. Hoshida, Vice Chair
Carol F. Harris
Carol Peters
L. Mattock Scariot
Shirley E. Willard
Diana Young
City Council
Mayor Al Pinheiro and the Gilroy City Council
City Staff
Tom Haglund, City Administrator
Maria DeLeon, Recreation Manager
Cathy Mirelez, Recreation Supervisor
Susan Voss, Recreation Coordinator
Special Thanks
Donna Pray, Director, Gilroy Foundation
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Approved Arts and Culture Commission 10/18/2010
Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................1
The Strategic Plan .........................................................................................................................1
Implementation Section...............................................................................................................2
Short Term Goals.....................................................................................................................3
Table 1 ..............................................................................................................................................3
Long Term Goals .....................................................................................................................4
Table 2 ..............................................................................................................................................4
Community Resources ................................................................................................................5
Potential Partners and Collaborators .......................................................................................5
Table 3 ..............................................................................................................................................5
Funding Sources ......................................................................................................................5
Table 4 ..............................................................................................................................................5
Summary........................................................................................................................................6
Arts and Culture Commission Milestones ..................................................................................7
Formation of the Arts and Culture Commission .........................................................................7
Powers and Duties of the Arts and Culture Commission per the Gilroy City Charter ...............7
Creation of the 1997 Gilroy Cultural Plan ..................................................................................7
Formation of the Public Art Policy/Mural Art Guidelines/Gilroy Public Art Committee ..........8
Cultural Center Development......................................................................................................8
Stakeholders Gatherings ..............................................................................................................9
Revision of the 1997 Cultural Plan .............................................................................................9
Cultural and Community Changes ............................................................................................10
Merging of Theater Angels Art League and Gilroy Arts Alliance ...........................................10
Historical Reference....................................................................................................................10
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Mission and Vision Statements of the Arts and Culture Commission:
To be an advocate for cultural and artistic activities in the Gilroy community; to build
bridges and promote communication through cultural and artistic opportunities for all
individuals, thereby improving the quality of life in our city.
In partnership with the City Council, the Arts and Culture Commission promotes the arts
in the Gilroy community
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Approved Arts and Culture Commission 10/18/2010
Arts and Culture Commission
Strategic Plan
Introduction
In order to further art and culture in Gilroy and to promote unification of the arts groups, the Arts
and Culture Commission (Commission) determined that it was essential to create a new strategic
plan that articulated its vision for the future. Since the 1997 Cultural Plan had been written,
there had been several significant developments in the arts community. The Commission
recognized that new community realities demanded a more organic-like document. The
development of arts and culture is a community effort, needing community support, cooperation,
and guidance. The Commission desires that the Plan be flexible enough to incorporate
opportunities and challenges.
The Strategic Plan
In 2009 the Arts and Culture Commission began the revision of the 1997 City of Gilroy Cultural
Plan, under the leadership of Chair Karen LaCorte. The new Strategic Plan (Plan) would involve
identifying short and long term goals, objectives and outcomes, timeline, potential resources,
collaborators, and funding. The Plan is meant to promote City and civic ownership and build
relationships between businesses and artistic genres. It will enhance the cultural art experience,
nurture artistic talents and collaborations - thus benefiting the entire community. The Plan is a
flexible document which is subject to review at the Commission Retreat during the first quarter
of each year, and it will form the basis for the Commission’s annual goals and objectives.
Per the City of Gilroy Charter, the Arts and Culture Commission is a citizen’s advisory body and
policy advocate for the Gilroy City Council and city staff. The Commission’s charge is arts and
culture, but must consider the interests of the entire community and its needs. In its advisory
role, the Commission is empowered to suggest, but it also needs to adhere to Council directives.
In its capacity as an advisory body, the Commission may encourage and coordinate a fund-
raising committee of Gilroy residents to support the arts in our community, much as it did in
encouraging the formation of the Gilroy Arts Alliance (GAA) (see page 9).
Arts activities are an expression of community, a coming together of diverse groups of people for
participation in an open creative atmosphere, and are a vehicle for artistic expression. The arts
speak to the human condition and provoke thought and passion. Whether you are the artist or the
audience, the arts provide a social meeting place in which you can participate and enjoy a unique
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Approved Arts and Culture Commission 10/18/2010
experience. The Commission realizes that in order to enlarge the audience for the arts in Gilroy,
they must support a broad-based spectrum of the arts, which addresses all interests, age groups
and genres. Given current economic realities and the City priorities, the Commission must focus
on uniting the arts groups and enlarging its base of support by partnering with various
community entities and residents.
Implementation Section
The Tables listed within the Implementation Section address the goals by which the Commission
will accomplish its mission. The Tables are organized by short and long term goals with specific
objectives and outcomes. A suggested timeline will direct the implementation of the Plan.
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Short Term Goals
Table 1
Goals Objectives Proposed Outcomes Timelines
2010 Strategic Plan
presented to
community
• 2010 Strategic Plan
presented to Gilroy City
Council
• Coordinate a Roundtable
Forum
• 2010 Strategic Plan
reviewed by Gilroy
City Council
• Annual Roundtable
Forum accomplished
• Commission’s review
of Strategic Plan at
annual retreat
2010
Promote collaboration
of Arts groups
• Collaboration of Arts
groups, businesses, City
and community in a united
vision for the Arts in
Gilroy
• Annual Roundtable
Forum
• Arts Passport
2011
Widen public
awareness of the Arts
• Increase cultural
participation and grow
audiences
• Update and maintain Arts
database (shared by the
City of Gilroy and GAA)
• Support local Arts groups
and events
• Greater use of news
and social media
• Database
• Branding campaign
for the Arts: banners,
slogans, buttons
2011
Building Community
Partnerships
• Outreach to the
business/Arts community
• Assist GAA with an
Arts/Business Marketing
Plan
• Criteria development
for Arts and Business
Award
• Annual Roundtable
Forum
2011
Public Art and
Community
Beautification
• Collaboration with PAC
on development of public
art
• Collaborate with PAC to
identify sites and establish
timeline
• Public art at Civic
buildings
• Civic Art Tour
brochures
• Project sites and
timeline established
2013
Assist Public Art
Committee with
implementation of
General Plan
amendment
• Commission approval for
PAC implementation
• Advocate for public art
component
• Build community support
• General Plan
amendment for public
art approved
2014
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Long Term Goals
Table 2
Goals Objectives Proposed Outcomes Timelines
Art and Cultural
Education
• Foster art and cultural education
in the schools and the
community
• Increase the community’s
awareness of the many different
Art forms/genres
• Greater media exposure
• Help promote Gilroy
Museum and its
programs, City of Gilroy
Special Events and
classes
• Advocate for return of
Arts Alive program in
school classrooms
• Collaborate with GAA
in support of arts
workshops representing
all genres
• Support and attend local
Arts events
• Cultivate relationships
with all local media
Ongoing
Signature Event • Develop an event which
incorporates different art
genres, community cultures,
and involves partnership with
community leaders, business
and service organizations
• Increase revenues
through Arts Showcase
or Gala
• Arts and Business
Partnership Award
2013 and
ongoing
Gilroy Center
for the Arts
• Support GAA as it develops the
Interim Gilroy Center for the
Arts
• Review the current Arts Center
design
• Develop community outreach
and survey community needs
• Further develop Business Plan
• Foster organizational
outreach with GAA
• Make recommendations
for design adaptation
• Community Survey
• Identification of anchor
tenants (businesses and
artists)
Ongoing -
2020
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Community Resources
Potential resources, collaborators and funding sources are essential to the continued development
of arts and culture in the community. Without these partners, many of these goals will not come
to fruition. The arts cannot stand alone and need support from local and surrounding
organizations. The Commission has identified possible partners and potential funding sources
which are identified in Tables 3 and 4.
Potential Partners and Collaborators
Table 3
Public Sector Partners
Potential Private Sector Partners
• City of Gilroy Commissions
• Educators
• Gilroy Center for the Arts Task Force
• Gilroy City Council
• Gilroy Unified School District
• Gilroy Visitors Bureau
• Public Art Committee
• Artists
• Art Supporters
• Arts Council Silicon Valley
• Arts groups/genres
• Arts Organizations
• Businesses
• Chamber of Commerce
• Cultural, Arts and/or Business
organizations
• Gilroy Arts Alliance
• Gilroy Downtown Business Association
• Gilroy Foundation
• Media (all)
Funding Sources
Table 4
Funding Sources
• Arts Council Silicon Valley
• Donations
• Fundraising events
• Gilroy Foundation
• Grants
• Private sector funding
• Sponsors
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Approved Arts and Culture Commission 10/18/2010
Summary
Building the Arts in Gilroy means developing a dedicated arts audience, introducing and
educating future generations to the arts, developing facilities for art activities, and growing
community relationships and infrastructure necessary for political, economic and community arts
support. As the Arts and Culture Commission looks towards the future it seeks to address the
cultural needs of the community with the creation of this Strategic Plan.
The Commission’s Strategic Plan is meant to be implemented over the next ten (10) years. It is
the Commission’s desire to respond to the ever-changing needs of the community through yearly
outreach and citizen input at an annual Roundtable Forum. The Roundtable Forum provides for
community engagement which will inform the Commission’s planning for the coming year,
while ensuring a mechanism for participation. The Commission’s vision is that by 2020 there
will be strong collaborative relationships between all arts genres. The synergy from these
relationships will extend into the community and embrace businesses and service organizations,
as well as other significant groups, providing the basis for improved arts awareness and audience
growth. The arts provide the bridge that connects all of Gilroy’s diverse residents through a
common experience, and with planning and broad-based support, the Arts help to make Gilroy a
more thriving and vibrant city.
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Arts and Culture Commission Milestones
Formation of the Arts and Culture Commission
On November 7, 1995, the citizens of the City of Gilroy voted to separate the Library and
Culture Commission, and to form two separate Commissions: the Library Commission and the
Arts and Culture Commission. In January 1996, the Arts and Culture Commission was formally
organized in a City Charter amendment. The Charter stated that “qualified registered electors of
the City” may apply to serve as Commissioners (City Charter, p. 16). Members serve for a term
of four (4) years or as appointed, and may reapply for an additional term. After members have
served two (2) full four (4) year terms, they may not seek reappointment until four (4) years after
the expiration of their last term. The Charter stipulated the powers and duties of the Arts and
Culture Commission, which are listed below.
Powers and Duties of the Arts and Culture Commission per the Gilroy City Charter
Powers and Duties: There shall be an Arts and Culture Commission consisting of seven
(7) members, which shall have the power and duty to:
(a) Act in an advisory capacity to the Council and the City Administrator in all matters
pertaining to art, literature, music, and other cultural activities;
(b) Formulate and recommend to the Council and the City Administrator a program relating
to art, literature, music, and other cultural activities for the inhabitants for the City of
Gilroy which will contribute to the utilization and enjoyment of their leisure time and
which will promote the public appreciation, education, and development of cultural
activities in the community;
(c) Encourage and coordinate a fund-raising committee of Gilroy residents duly appointed by
the Council of Gilroy to develop and implement fund-raising activities to support the arts
and culture in and for the City of Gilroy, and
(d) Perform such other duties relating to the arts and cultural matters as may be prescribed by
the Council not inconsistent with the provisions of the Charter. (City Charter, p.19)
Creation of the 1997 Gilroy Cultural Plan
As the City of Gilroy grew, the Commission recognized the need for a Cultural Plan. A cultural
needs assessment for the Cultural Plan was then conducted. The Commission, led by Chair
Arline Silva, completed the first phase of the assessment in March 1997, and the funds were
raised to hire consultant Virginia Wright. The Commission formed a Steering Committee to
guide the work, and to build consensus among a broad spectrum of people in the community.
A comprehensive Cultural Plan was created which included: planning background and history;
planning structure; purpose of the plan; market research; City of Gilroy demographics and
economy; arts and cultural resources; detailed findings and recommendations; budget for
findings and recommendations. In November 1997, a draft Cultural Plan was completed and
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then reviewed by the Gilroy City Council. Although it was not officially adopted by the Council,
the Commission used the Cultural Plan as a working document and template for future arts
development. One of the recommendations implemented was the July 1, 1998, hiring of a full-
time Recreation Supervisor, specifically dedicated to developing cultural arts programming for
the City of Gilroy.
Formation of the Public Art Policy/Mural Art Guidelines/Gilroy Public Art Committee
Per the 1997 Cultural Plan and the 1999 General Plan Update, the Gilroy City Administrator
directed the Commission to create a Public Art Policy and Mural Art Guidelines. After extensive
research as well as public forums, the Public Art Policy and Mural Guidelines were drafted and
approved in 2000. The Policy established the Public Art Committee as an advisory committee to
the Commission, to be responsible for developing the Public Art Plan, ensuring the quality of
artworks created; and developing budgets and scope of individual public art projects on city-
owned property. The Policy stipulated a five (5) member Committee, stating that the Chair must
be a member of the Commission. Committee members are nominated by the Commission and
appointed by City Council. The first meeting of the Public Art Committee (PAC) was held on
January 17, 2001. In 2006, it was recommended and approved by City Council that the PAC
membership be increased to seven (7) members, due to the increasing fundraising demands
necessitated by public art projects (Public Art Policy, p 1-2).
Cultural Center Development
The 1997 Cultural Plan identified performance and gallery spaces within the community and
listed their limitations. The City hired consultants (McDougall & Company of San Francisco) to
carry out a facility feasibility study and directed that the Commission should act on outcomes of
that detailed analysis (1997 Cultural Plan, p. 13-14). Individual members of the Commission
(acting as private citizens and/or representing the Commission) participated in committees that
identified the most beneficial option for a community arts space.
In 2002, the City Council designated $50,000 and hired John Sergio Fischer & Associates to
work with a 15 member Cultural Facility Task Force. The Task Force was charged with
identifying the community’s need for a cultural facility, establishing the facility’s programming,
operation and management structure, and financing. The Task Force and the consultants
completed their assignment in 2004, and presented their recommendations to the Gilroy City
Council. A site recommendation, conceptual design, and business plan were identified.
The City Council approved the Task Force findings and began negotiations to purchase the site.
Construction of the building was set to be completed in summer 2009. A community partnership
between the Gilroy City Council and the Gilroy Foundation was also established, which allowed
the Foundation to sell naming rights to the future Gilroy Center for the Arts. This was the
beginning of an Endowment fund which would assist non-profits with the expense of using the
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building. In the fall of 2006, due to escalating construction costs and staff concerns, the City of
Gilroy hired consulting firm AMS of Petaluma, to revisit the business plan. In 2007, the site for
the future Center, at the northwest corner of Monterey and Seventh Street, was purchased. It was
determined that building costs for the future Center were now in excess of $25 million, which
was more than $10 million over the originally projected budget. Then, in 2008, due to the
economic recession and corresponding reduction in new construction impact fees, the Center was
delayed indefinitely.
Stakeholders Gatherings
The development and planning process for the Gilroy Center for the Arts spotlighted the need for
increased citizen involvement and participation in the Arts, greater unification of the Arts
community, arts and business partnerships and establishment of an independent citizens group
that could aide in the development of a governing and funding board for the new Center.
In keeping with the directives in the Gilroy City Charter and the Cultural Plan, the Commission
directed its efforts toward organizing community meetings that engaged arts groups and
individual artists, business members, and nonprofit service organizations. The immediate goal of
these meetings was the encouragement, organization and creation of an independent alliance that
was capable of promoting, marketing, and fundraising for arts and cultural activities and the
future Gilroy Center for the Arts. While the Commission is arts focused, they operate within the
constraints of city government. In creating the new organization, the Commission’s intent was
that with time and experience, the Alliance could engage the community in a broad sense, and be
an independent voice for the Arts, eventually becoming the governing Board for the Gilroy
Center for the Arts.
In 2005 a generous grant, given by the Gilroy Foundation, allowed the Commission to conduct a
series of six (6) gatherings centered on the theme “Build Arts in our Community”. The outcome
was the creation of the Gilroy Arts Alliance. “The purpose of the Gilroy Arts Alliance, an
independent non-profit organization of artists and arts supporters, is to build a collaborative arts
community and to promote and support multi-cultural arts in and around Gilroy.” (Gilroy Arts
Alliance By-laws, p. 1)
Revision of the 1997 Cultural Plan
As a result of the Stakeholders Gatherings and the Gilroy Center for the Arts development
process, the Commission realized that the 1997 Cultural Plan needed updating. An Action
Report was submitted to City Council in 2007. The Council agreed that the Cultural Plan needed
revision and suggested that a consultant be hired to assist with this process. At the 2008 Council
Retreat, the Gilroy Center for the Arts and the Cultural Plan revision ranked in the top ten of the
Council’s priorities. By the end of that year, a major worldwide economic recession had affected
local government with devastating results. New construction within the city virtually ceased and
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revenue generated from impact fees was no longer available for support of new civic
construction projects. Budget constraints forced the City Council to indefinitely postpone the
Gilroy Center for the Arts. Funds were not available for professional consultant assistance, and
the revision of the 1997 Cultural Plan then became the sole responsibility of the Commission.
Cultural and Community Changes
Another significant change in the cultural landscape occurred during 2008, when Connie Rogers,
President of the Gilroy Historical Society, attended the Commission meeting in February of that
year. The Commission is the citizen’s oversight body for the Gilroy Museum, and the Society
offered advisory assistance in regard to the Museum and historical matters. The Commission
approved the offer at their February 12, 2008, regular meeting. Later that year, as a result of the
economic downtown, and per City Council, the Gilroy Museum was marked for closure and
Museum staff was laid-off. At that time the Gilroy Historical Society approached the City of
Gilroy and offered to enter into a collaboration, which resulted in volunteer operation of the
Gilroy Museum. This offer was approved by City Council and volunteer operations commenced
on February 1, 2009.
Merging of Theater Angels Art League and Gilroy Arts Alliance
Due to the postponement of the construction of the Gilroy Center for the Arts and because the
City had already purchased the Center property, the Theater Angels Art League approached the
City and asked to use the one remaining building (old Salvation Army building) on the property
for arts programming. The City agreed to rent the building and began drafting a lease agreement.
On November 30, 2009, Anna Jatczak, former Assistant City Administrator for the City of
Gilroy, facilitated a meeting that resulted in the merger of the Theater Angels Art League and the
Gilroy Arts Alliance into one organization, known as the Gilroy Arts Alliance. Definition of
roles, development of vision and mission statements, Board composition and number of Board
members were determined. The lease agreement for rental of the old Salvation Army building,
known from this point forward as the Interim Gilroy Center for the Arts, was signed on
December 29, 2009.
Historical Reference
As a supplementary reference, the Arts and Culture Commission mandated a Historical
Reference Guide be available to ensure that future planning is consistent with past policy. This
Guide is available and may be viewed during business hours at the City of Gilroy Community
Services Department, located at 7351 Rosanna Street.
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